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Breast Cancer Diagnosis Today

rene2476
rene2476 Member Posts: 21 ✭
edited October 2016 in Newly diagnosed

Hi All!  So today, on my 39th birthday, (yep happy birthday to me)  I was told I have breast cancer.  A 10mm Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (Grade 3)  All of this means not a lot to me.  I have seen the specialist and been advised to read the Guide for Women with Early Breast Cancer and talk to others in the assistance of making a decision - either lumpectomy or mastectomy???  I have a follow up appointment on Friday to discuss any questions and inform of my decision I guess.    Help x

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  • scotty
    scotty Member Posts: 32
    edited August 2015

    Hello Rene, well I'm glad you have come on this site as we are all in this journey together Happy Birthday by the way. I too had a 12mm lump aso grade 3 and I had a lumpectomy.The surgeon will remove it and surrounding tissue to get what's called a clear margin which means no cancer cells in that margin. Also he will remove your sentinel node from under your arm it's your soldier node when he suggests you read the early breast cancer info that is a GOOD thing. I had surgery a month rest them chemo every 3 weeks for 4 times you will have chemo too Rene because of the grade 3 don't hesitate to have it!!! another month rest then I would say you will have 6 weeks radiotherapy then may or may not have hormone therapy for 5 0r 10 years depending if your BC is hormone sensitive anyway take a big breath because it's do able keep in touch with your progress Christine xxxx and it is a Happy Birthday cos you got the bastard early xxxx 

  • lrb_03
    lrb_03 Member Posts: 1,266 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Hi Rene, welcome & happy birthday. I would also ask about having chemo before surgery, which is to increase the likelihood of needing lumpectomy only. My surgery will be two weeks before my 50th birthday, my gift to myself!!!. I'm halfway through chemo, having 6 cycles. There isn't any difference in survival rates, and most likely less invasive surgery. Just something to think about. I do know that I have cancer in my lymph nodes & will be having an axillary clearance. You need to ask if you will be able to have a sentinal node biopsy. I don't know if they do this with pre surgery chemo. Keep asking questions, there's a lot of support, from women with many different experiences along their journey (a catch word that I really hate, but it expresses perfectly the path we're all on).

    Take care, Lyn

  • rowdy
    rowdy Member Posts: 1,165 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Welcome to the site and Happy birthday not the best present but great they have got it early. The ladies have given you good advice, mine is get yourself a diaty and note pad. Appointments will be many and it is always a good idea to write quetions down as you think of them. Take your questiondswith you and remember no question is dumb ask away.. Use this site I found it helped take carexx

  • Jane221
    Jane221 Member Posts: 1,185 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Hi Rene, a pretty crappy birthday gift I'd agree, but great that it has been caught early.

    I'd just add that it might be good to have a chat with your breast care nurse before Friday to talk about some of those decisions and explain some of the foreign language we're suddenly having to get our head around. Sometimes it just helps to verbalise some of those questions with someone who can help and guide you in the right direction.

    The Guide was invaluable throughout my treatment (I'd just dip in & out of the relevant sections as trying to take it all in at once was overwhelming and used it to form my questions for whichever specialist I was seeing), and of course nothing beats talking to those who've been there and can offer some words of support and understanding, so feel free to post any time you have a question, are confused or just want to vent.   

    Best of luck with your next steps and decisions. Jane xx

  • maryroset1
    maryroset1 Member Posts: 240 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Hey Rene. Happy birthday.?? i would suggest taking one appointment at a time and take someone with you. I found i became overwhelmed with all the info i had to process so having another set of ears really helps. Take care and look after yourself.  Maryrose 

  • Jess_BCNA
    Jess_BCNA Member Posts: 475
    edited August 2015

    Hi Rene, my name is jess from BCNA and i just wanted to jump in and say hello/welcome. You look like your finding your way around the network quite well, but If you did need any help connecting with others or finding support please just let me know. In addition to the guide that you specialist mentioned, we also have a section on our website which has information for women who are newly diagnosed. If you would like to have a look, you can find some more information here - New diagnosis. And if you have any questions about the network at all, just get in touch.

    ~ Jess x

  • Tracey_B
    Tracey_B Member, Dragonfly Posts: 1,284
    edited August 2015

    Hi Rene, welcome to the network. You have a huge decision to make about your future. The book that you've been advised to read is very good and will helpyou right through all your treatments. Make sure that you have your support people around you, and that they have a read as well. Take care, Trace ????

  • jaycia02
    jaycia02 Member Posts: 64 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Hi,

    This is all foreign and new and just like you wouldn't rush and make a major purchase or decision without researching and thinking it through your treatment options should be the same. Don't feel like you have to get in and decide on the day. One of the few things I remember from that first appointment with the breast surgeon was her telling me that in the USA they average 6-7 weeks from diagnosis to surgery and yet their outcomes are virtually the same so you have time. There are positives and negatives to every decision so if you feel like you need to take a couple of days to research a little more (and yes the Guide to Early Breast Cancer is awesome but so are the real life experiences women write about on here) weigh things up and feel comfortable with your decision then speak up and ask for some time.

    Good luck, Jen

  • rene2476
    rene2476 Member Posts: 21 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Thank you!  Will have a look now...glad I found this group has been extremely helpful so far.  As with everyone else this is a real eye opener and I realise what a sheltered life I have had.  The words/terms etc I have learnt in the last two days is quiet overwhelming.  I'm hoping to talk to a McGrath nurse today to help with this 'journey' xx

  • rene2476
    rene2476 Member Posts: 21 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Thanks Christine!  So much to take in but so grateful for everyone's advice and stories.  xx Rae

  • rene2476
    rene2476 Member Posts: 21 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Thanks Lyn,  another question to add to my list!  Good luck with your surgery & 'journey'  xx Rae

  • rene2476
    rene2476 Member Posts: 21 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Thanks Rowdy & Maryrose,

    Diary is now on the list.  Notepad is at the ready all filled with questions for the surgeon and nurses!  I am lucky to have very close family and friends and the best husband (and kidlets).  This site is proving to be extremely helpful too, glad I found it.  Thanks for everything xx Rae

  • rene2476
    rene2476 Member Posts: 21 ✭
    edited August 2015

    Thanks for the advice Jane, am hoping to speak to a nurse today.  xx Rae

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